One of the report’s authors, Dr Roger Dargaville, from the University of Melbourne’s Energy Institute, presented the Plan to the IEA on January 13 to a positive reception and praise for Australia’s continued focus on renewable energy technology.

"To all naysayers who have consistently argued against the practical feasibility of such a goal, this study demonstrates that it is achievable," he said.

A zero carbon Australia would not be cheap, however. At least $37 billion would have to be invested each year to make the renewable energy plan happen. It would be the equivalent, Dr Dargaville said, of adding eight dollars per week to every Australian’s electricity bill.

Although the IEA had no part in the study, or the results that made up the Energy Plan, Hugo Chandler, a senior analyst at the IEA, said: "This bold blueprint for Australia’s future energy supply is a welcome addition to the global debate on renewables. It provides a timely reminder to all countries of the importance of renewable energy sources and the role they must play in the years ahead."